Understanding dog body language can help you prevent being bitten

On behalf of McGrady & McGrady, L.L.P. on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the United States. However, any dog can bite, and many beloved canine pets do bite. Dog bites can cause damage to the skin, muscles, tendons, nerves or bones. Dog bites can also cause infections and spread diseases.

Being bitten by a dog can be a painful and traumatic experience, and it is probably one you wish to avoid. Understanding dog body language is one way you can do so. By understanding dog body language, you can more easily identify situations when you might be at risk of being bitten and may need to separate yourself from the dog.

Instead, avoid making eye contact with the dog. If you can, try to stand with the side of your body facing the dog and slowly move away from the dog. If the dog lunges at you or is snapping at you, try to put something between you and the dog, such as a bag or a jacket. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball, tuck your head in, and cover your ears and neck with your hands.

Although you can treat some dog bite injuries at home, it is usually safer to have a doctor examine all dog bite wounds. Contact information for the dog’s owner and witnesses can be valuable to obtain, if you are able to. It can also be helpful to find out if the dog is up to date on vaccines. You may also consider reporting the incident to your local police department or animal control agency.

If you are severely injured by someone’s pet, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. You should not have to suffer because someone else did not take reasonable actions to prevent his or her dog from causing harm.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.